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Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
10:02

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Published on: March 12, 2020

Periodic limb movements in sleep and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Are they related?

Charissa Pockett1, Valerie Kirk

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.

Paediatrics & Child Health
|November 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) share similar symptoms in children. Recognizing PLMS is crucial to avoid misdiagnosing ADHD, as both conditions involve dopamine pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) is a rare pediatric sleep disorder.
  • A recent association has been identified between PLMS and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on the clinical presentations and pathophysiology of ADHD and PLMS in children.
  • To highlight the overlap in symptoms and diagnostic considerations between ADHD and PLMS.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive electronic literature search was conducted using keywords for PLMS and ADHD.
  • The search was limited to the pediatric population, with manual review of key articles.

Main Results:

  • PLMS and ADHD exhibit similar clinical symptoms in children.
  • Both disorders are linked to dopamine production and metabolism and respond to dopaminergic therapy.
  • Coexistence of ADHD and PLMS is frequent, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Daytime hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattentiveness, and poor school performance can be symptoms of both ADHD and PLMS.
  • Physicians should consider PLMS in the differential diagnosis for children presenting with ADHD symptoms.
Abstract

Keywords:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorderChildrenPeriodic limb movement disorderRestless legs syndromeSleep disorders

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